Menopause is a significant stage in every woman’s life, often filled with both physical and emotional changes. From hot flashes and irregular periods to vaginal dryness and mood swings, menopause symptoms can disrupt your daily life.
As these changes unfold, it’s important to know which healthcare professional is best equipped to help you manage this transition effectively. Who do you see in Singapore for menopause care? A general practitioner (GP), a gynaecologist, or an endocrinologist?
In this article, we’ll break down the roles of these three specialists in managing menopause symptoms in Singapore, helping you understand:
- The specific role each specialist plays in managing menopause
- Which doctor is best for mild versus severe symptoms
- When you should see a gynaecologist, GP, or endocrinologist during menopause in Singapore
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which healthcare provider to turn to during your menopause journey.
What is Menopause?
Menopause marks the natural end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. It’s officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period. During this time, the body undergoes hormonal changes, primarily a decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone, leading to the following common symptoms:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings and irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased libido
- Weight gain or changes in metabolism
These symptoms vary in intensity, and women may experience them differently. While some women sail through menopause with little to no issues, others find it challenging. This is why it’s essential to seek the right medical support during this transition.
Who Should You See for Menopause in Singapore?
1. General Practitioner (GP)
A general practitioner (GP) is typically the first point of contact when dealing with menopause-related symptoms. A GP handles a broad range of health concerns and can provide essential advice, diagnoses, and treatment referrals.
When to See a GP for Menopause in Singapore:
- Early symptoms: If you’re beginning to notice mild changes such as irregular periods, occasional hot flashes, or mood shifts, a GP is the best person to speak with initially.
- Routine checkups: If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are related to menopause or something else, a GP can help evaluate your overall health and order tests to rule out other conditions.
- General management: A GP can guide you on lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), prescribe non-hormonal treatments, and offer advice on managing stress and sleep issues associated with menopause.
- Referrals: If your symptoms are more complex or severe, your GP can refer you to a gynaecologist or endocrinologist.
What a GP in Singapore Can Do:
- Diagnose menopause based on age and symptoms.
- Prescribe medications like antidepressants for mood swings or sleep aids for insomnia.
- Recommend lifestyle changes to manage mild symptoms, such as exercise or diet modifications.
- Offer basic treatments for mild symptoms, such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness.
While GPs are highly capable of managing common menopause symptoms, they may refer you to specialists for more targeted care.
2. Gynaecologist
A gynaecologist specialises in the female reproductive system. For women going through menopause, gynaecologists play an important role in diagnosing, managing, and treating symptoms related to the reproductive system, as well as offering specialized care for complex cases.
When to See a Gynaecologist for Menopause in Singapore:
- Severe reproductive symptoms: If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding, vaginal dryness, or painful sex, a gynaecologist can offer more in-depth solutions.
- Hormonal treatment: If you’re considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or you want to explore non-hormonal options like vaginal estrogen, a gynaecologist is the best person to guide you.
- Postmenopausal health: A gynaecologist is essential if you’re experiencing changes in sexual health or need advice on vaginal health (dryness, pain, libido).
- Complex reproductive history: If you have a history of fibroids, endometriosis, or abnormal Pap smears, you should consult a gynaecologist to ensure your reproductive health is properly managed during menopause.
What a Gynaecologist in Singapore Can Do:
- Diagnose and manage menopause symptoms, including offering HRT.
- Provide treatment for vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, or sexual health issues related to menopause.
- Recommend screenings for cervical cancer, uterine health, and breast cancer for women at higher risk.
- Offer solutions for managing heavy menstrual bleeding during perimenopause.
For women seeking hormonal therapies, fertility preservation, or specialized reproductive health care, a gynaecologist is an essential resource.
3. Endocrinologist
An endocrinologist specialises in the hormonal system, making them the expert when it comes to managing hormonal fluctuations and imbalances that arise during menopause. They’re especially helpful if your menopause symptoms are severe or you’re experiencing other underlying hormonal conditions.
When to See an Endocrinologist for Menopause in Singapore:
- Severe hormone imbalances: If you have extreme symptoms such as mood swings, weight gain, or insomnia, an endocrinologist can conduct hormonal testing to pinpoint the exact imbalances affecting your health.
- Complicated health conditions: If you have PCOS, thyroid disorders, or other endocrine conditions that could impact menopause, an endocrinologist is crucial in balancing these hormones effectively.
- Advanced hormone treatment: If you need bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) or specific hormone monitoring, an endocrinologist is the right choice.
- Metabolic or bone health: As menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis, an endocrinologist can help manage your bone health and guide you on supplements like calcium and vitamin D.
What an Endocrinologist in Singapore Can Do:
- Perform hormonal testing (e.g., FSH, estradiol, TSH) to assess your hormone levels and guide treatment.
- Provide bioidentical hormone therapy or tailored HRT based on detailed hormonal analysis.
- Offer guidance on bone health, metabolism, and weight management during menopause.
- Monitor and manage any endocrine disorders that may impact menopause, such as thyroid conditions or adrenal insufficiency.
For women experiencing severe hormonal issues or those who have underlying endocrine disorders, an endocrinologist can offer specialized care.
How to Choose the Right Doctor in Singapore for Your Menopause Care
The choice of specialist depends on the severity of your symptoms and whether you have additional medical conditions that may need management during menopause.
- Start with a GP: For general menopause management, mild symptoms, or initial consultations, your GP is your first point of contact.
- Visit a gynaecologist: If your symptoms are related to the reproductive system or if you’re considering HRT or vaginal treatments, a gynaecologist is the right specialist.
- See an endocrinologist: If you experience hormonal imbalances, severe symptoms, or have other underlying endocrine issues, an endocrinologist will be the most suitable option.
Expert Tip / Real-Life Quote
💡 “It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider who listens to your unique symptoms and tailors a treatment plan specific to your needs. Start with a GP, and don’t hesitate to seek specialized care from a gynaecologist or endocrinologist if necessary.”
Final Thoughts
Understanding the different roles of a GP, gynaecologist, and endocrinologist can help you make an informed decision about who to consult for your menopause care in Singapore. Whether you’re managing mild symptoms or experiencing more complex health issues, these specialists are here to guide you through the transition with the right treatments and support.
By seeking the appropriate care, you can manage your menopause symptoms effectively and enhance your quality of life during this natural stage of life.
Call to Action
👉 Confused about who to consult for your menopause symptoms?
Take our free 3-minute menopause quiz to help you choose the right specialist for your care.
https://zorahealth.co/quiz
Sources:
- Ministry of Health Singapore
- KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
- Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
Anna Haotanto is the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Anna’s personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS, perimenopause and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. She is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, and has been featured in various media outlets. You can also follow her on Linkedin or Instagram.
